Monthly Archives: November 2013

On Tuesday November 19th, 2013 the Macomb Police Department along with the Mayor of Macomb, Michael Inman and WIU President Dr. Jack Thomas honored three Western Illinois Student for their acts of bravery in September. On September 7th, 2013 students Matthew Demetral, Owen Hill and Ryan Brushaber were fishing at Spring Lake. A local citizen stopped and checked on fishing conditions before driving on. The driver of the vehicle suffered a medical event and crashed his vehicle into Spring Lake. Demetral, Hill and Brushaber rushed to the scene, jumped into the water and pulled the driver from the vehicle. Along with another subject, Scott Davis of Milton, Wisconsin they ensured that no one else was in the vehicle. The driver was removed from the water and rescue efforts were initiated. The driver succumed to conditions not related to the crash.

Demetral, Hill and Brushaber demonstrated great courage by taking quick action. They also demonstrated great concern for members of the community in their willingness to assist the citizens of this community. Their selflessness and personal courage demonstrates great character and for these reasons they were honored by being presented a Citizens Award of Appreciation. Pictured below are Brushaber, Hill and Demetral along with WIU President Dr. Jack Thomas, Macomb Mayor Michael Inman and Deputy Chief of Police Eric Lenardt.

No doubt by now you have heard of the tragedy that struck the community of Washington, IL on 11/17/2013. A tornado ripped through the community damaging or destroying many structures in its path. Now, the effort to recover and rebuild begins. The Macomb Police has begun to collect food donations for the Washington community. If you have any food pantry donations you may drop them off at the Macomb Police Department until Thursday of this week. Everything collected will be delivered to a food pantry in Washington on Friday the 22nd.

UPDATE 11/19/13

We have been informed that donations of clothing, especially baby clothing is needed for the residents or Washington, IL. If you have any donations please drop them off at the Police Department and we will do our best to have them delivered Friday. Thank you.

UPDATE 11/21/13

We would like to thank everyone who donated items for the Washington tornado victims. We hope to have a photo of everything posted soon. If you haven’t heard no more donations of food or clothing are wanted. Cash donations are appreciated and can be made at any Morton Community Bank branch. The account name is Washington Tornado Relief Fund. Again thanks to everyone for all of the donations. The response was overwhelming. Thank you.

UPDATE 12/3/13 Here is a photo of most of the items donated for the Washington tornado relief effort. A big thanks goes out to Scott Collins for providing a trailer to haul it all. The citizens of Macomb should be proud of the amount of donated items taken to Washington. Thank you.